The eco-friendly home construction trend is becoming a reality, and understanding why is prudent. This practice involves using sustainable construction materials, renewable electricity, and designing energy-efficient homes.
Sustainable construction materials play a significant part in eco-friendly home construction. Roofing using steel trusses is vital in pursuing sustainable living. This article will examine the role of steel trusses in eco-friendly home construction. Please read on to learn more.
Recyclability and Reusability
Steel is among the most recycled materials globally after iron. The existing global steel volume can be enough to meet human needs without needing to mine more. Recycled steel can also be cost-effective for steel truss manufacturers since it can be marginally cheaper. This benefit trickles down to consumers who get reasonably cheap steel trusses.
Some steel truss manufacturers within the United States obtain their raw materials from distributors who recycle them. Thanks to significant recycling, steel is readily available in states like Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.Steel trusses in NC have become even more cost-effective as the state has increased material recycling rates to 40% by 2025.
Deconstruction can also be possible with steel trusses. Buildings can provide reusable steel trusses at the end of their lives. Reusing these trusses can eliminate the need to purchase new and costly ones.
Durability and Longevity
Steel is durable compared to most materials like wood and composites. On average, it can last over 50 years without its structural integrity significantly dipping. This metal material can resist damage from pests and molds. Moreover, it can be more tolerant to harsh weather exposure than most truss materials.
Their inherent durability and longevity lead to a lesser demand for replacement. Due to their long-lasting characteristics, minimizing the demand for steel trusses is easier. They also help save on purchasing costs due to the reduced need to revamp house roofs once they age. Less steel demand reduces the overall environmental impact over homes’ lifespans.
Energy Efficiency
Steel trusses can provide structural support for insulation materials. They create ample space within roofs and walls, making incorporating them easier. Houses with steel trusses within the walls and on the roof can install insulation materials more efficiently.
Spray and rigid foam insulations are highly compatible with steel trusses. They’re also incredibly efficient in ensuring home thermal efficiency by reducing thermal bridging. As a result, their insulation capabilities result in lower energy consumption.
The combination effect that steel trusses and insulating materials offer helps preserve heat and coldness from HVAC systems within homes. These temperature control systems don’t have to work excessively to compensate for losses. The overall impact is that homes become more energy efficient with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduced Waste
Steel truss production is usually more efficient in manufacturing facilities where offcuts and material waste production are minimal. Every inch of steel material gets used as excessive parts undergo re-melting to add to the bulk of raw material.
Most homeowners obtain prefabricated steel trusses from manufacturers rather than making them themselves. Therefore, Purchasing ready-made steel trusses means less waste production than when people make their steel trusses.
Also noteworthy is that reducing the demand for steel by salvaging it from offcuts, re-melting, and recycling helps reduce waste. It also minimizes the need to mine more steel to cope with demands, which is more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Cost-Effective
Most metal roofs, including steel trusses, can be cost-effective despite their high initial costs. Thanks to their high durability, they may require minimal repairs and inspections over time. They’re also impeccably robust and can withstand heavy storms and harsh weather conditions without getting structurally compromised.
Repairs due to storm damage and exposure to punitive weather conditions can be cost-intensive. This situation can be prevalent with wood and composites, which barely hold over extended periods. However, steel trusses are threefold stronger than other materials and can resist structurally compromising elements.
Understandably, homeowners may cough out a significant sum installing steel trusses. However, that leaves you assured that your roof will remain intact over long periods without demanding costly repairs. This premise makes steel trusses ideal for sustainable and eco-friendly homes.
Compatibility with Sustainable Materials
Steel trusses are more compatible with high-performance envelopes for advanced insulation. Moreover, they provide structurally sound support for solar panels with better orientation and angles. These attachments contribute to eco-friendly construction, making homes more sustainable and green.
These robust trusses also allow for the installation of additional sustainable materials like wind turbines and rainwater harvesting systems. Maximizing water harvesting, harnessing solar power, and providing insulation support make the steel trusses ideal for eco-friendly homes.
Lightweight and Robust to Support Green roofs
Steel metal trusses are robust enough to support green roofs. They’re lightweight, which minimizes houses’ top loads and keeps foundations intact. Adding more weight from plants to create intensive and extensive green roofs may not compromise their overall stability.
Green roofs are becoming more prevalent in the country as more people seek to create more sustainable homes. This practice contributes to air purification efforts, reducing carbon levels and creating favorable habitats for urban biodiversity. The overall goal of green roofs is to regulate the ever-changing climate, which makes homes more eco-friendly.
Conclusion
Steel trusses are vital in making homes more sustainable thanks to their high recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. They’re also a cut above most metal materials in terms of robustness, which allows them to hold various sustainable materials and support green roofs. As the eco-friendly construction trend continues, now’s a good time as any to prioritize installing steel trusses in homes.
